Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Polymer Composite Respiratory Training Device for Box Breathing–Based Stress Management

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 04 | Page :
By

Nehin Joseph,

S. Anandh,

  1. UG Physiotherapy Intern, Department of Community Health Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, Satara, Maharashtra, India
  2. HOD of Community Health Physiotherapy, Department of Community Health Physiotherapy, Krishna College Of Physiotherapy, KVV, Karad, Satara, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Academic stress is a problem among the higher secondary students and it is a problem which has a negative impact on their psychological condition and academic performance. Box breathing has been found to lower stress; however, it can be hard to keep a rhythmic breathing pattern without guidance. A lightweight, reusable and ergonomic polymer composite respiratory training device may enable the delivery of structured breathing assistance and help increase adherence to controlled breathing exercises. To assess the effectiveness of a polymer composite respiratory training device for guided box breathing and compare it with the conventional relaxation techniques in stress management among higher secondary students. A randomized pre–post experimental study was done with 90 students aged. This review examines the role of polymer composite respiratory training devices in guided box breathing for stress management among adolescents. The literature on controlled breathing, conventional relaxation techniques, polymer composite materials, respiratory training devices, and their potential clinical and educational applications was reviewed. Available evidence indicates that structured breathing and relaxation approaches may contribute to reductions in perceived stress, while polymer composite respiratory training devices may provide standardized breathing guidance, portability, ergonomic design, and improved adherence. However, direct clinical evidence evaluating the comparative effectiveness of polymer composite respiratory training devices remains limited. Further controlled clinical studies are required to establish their effectiveness, usability, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Keywords: Polymer composite; respiratory training device; box breathing; stress management; perceived stress scale; higher secondary students.

How to cite this article: Nehin Joseph, S. Anandh. Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Polymer Composite Respiratory Training Device for Box Breathing–Based Stress Management. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
How to cite this URL: Nehin Joseph, S. Anandh. Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Polymer Composite Respiratory Training Device for Box Breathing–Based Stress Management. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=253411

References

  1. Kumar S, Kumar K, Avti PK, Anand A. Mental health issues among adolescents: challenges and management. Curr Psychiatry Res Rev. 2025;21(4):423-32.
  2. Portanti L. Development of a VR scenario for controlled box breathing exercises with heart rate and respiratory pattern biofeedback using embedded headset sensors. 2024.
  3. Campelo G, de Araújo JR, Aristizabal JP, de Souza W, de Castilho GM. Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025;25(1):92.
  4. Regehr C, Glancy D, Pitts A. Interventions to reduce stress in university students: a review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2013;148(1):1-1.
  5. Zhang H. Portable oxygen breathing apparatus integrated with biosensors: enabling intelligent monitoring and optimal oxygen provision for biomechanical homeostasis. Mol Cell Biomech. 2024;21(4):535.
  6. Kangishwar S, Radhika N, Sheik AA, Chavali A, Hariharan S. A comprehensive review on polymer matrix composites: material selection, fabrication, and application. Polym Bull. 2023;80(1):47-87.
  7. Płatek P, Daniel N, Cieplak K, Sarzyński M, Kluczyński J, Krzysztof G, et al. Design, manufacturing, and testing of 3D-printed fittings for ergonomic helmet CPAP devices: a case study. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):41870.
  8. Devmurari P, Rathod P, Patel C, Parmar K. Design and testing of breathing retraining device: a multiphasic exploratory study in healthy subjects. 2025.
  9. Lekhna M, Venkateswaran C, Bhaskarapillai B, John D. Effectiveness of relaxation techniques in reducing academic-related stress among female university students using a quasi-experimental design. Discov Public Health. 2026;23(1):1118.
  10. Russo MA, Santarelli DM, O’Rourke D. The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe (Sheff). 2017;13(4):298-309.
  11. Dey YM. Meditation and its impact on neuroendocrine health. J Swasthavritta Yoga. 2025;2(2):43-51.
  12. Mitsea E, Drigas A, Skianis C. Artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, and neurotechnologies in breathing interventions for mental and emotional health: a systematic review. Electronics. 2024;13(12):2253.
  13. Zhang H, Li X. Gamified feedback-based training system for pediatric asthma inhaler use: mixed methods randomized crossover study. JMIR Serious Games. 2026;14(1):e85673.
  14. Dhokia AP. High fidelity olfaction simulation for virtual environments [doctoral dissertation]. Coventry: University of Warwick; 2017.
  15. Faheed NK. Advantages of natural fiber composites for biomedical applications: a review of recent advances. Emergent Mater. 2024;7(1):63-75.
  16. Kumar A, Dixit S, Singh S, Sreenivasa S, Bains PS, Sharma R. Recent developments in the mechanical properties and recycling of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Polym Compos. 2025;46(5):3883-908.
  17. Scott SM, Ali Z. Fabrication methods for microfluidic devices: an overview. Micromachines (Basel). 2021;12(3):319.
  18. Ben Said L, Ayadi B, Alharbi S, Dammak F. Recent advances in additive manufacturing: a review of current developments and future directions. Machines. 2025;13(9):813.
  19. Sharma P, Veerareddy V, Hong I, Nycklemoe M, Kandimalla M, Sharma V, et al. Neurophysiological mechanisms of breathing-based well-being practices: a narrative review for clinical application. Front Psychiatry. 2026;17:1774490.
  20. Abhinav V, Basu P, Verma SS, Verma J, Das A, Kumari S, et al. Advancements in wearable and implantable BioMEMS devices: transforming healthcare through technology. Micromachines (Basel). 2025;16(5):522.
  21. Abtew MA, Ahmmed AS, Tadesse MG, Zaman SU. Sensor-embedded and electronics textiles: a review on advanced materials, manufacturing, and applications. Text Res J. 2026;96(9-10):1073-126.
  22. Vicente BA, Sebastião R, Sencadas V. Wearable devices for respiratory monitoring. Adv Funct Mater. 2024;34(45):2404348.
  23. McKeen LW. Plastics used in medical devices. In: Modjarrad K, Ebnesajjad S, editors. Handbook of polymer applications in medicine and medical devices. 2014. p. 21-53.
  24. Sharif NU, Habibu S, Wang H, Veera Singham G, Huang HK, Hu C, et al. Advancing renewable functional coatings: sustainable solutions for modern material challenges. J Coat Technol Res. 2026;23(1):173-99.
  25. Rivas Ebner MC, Ackah E, Kim SW, Seok YS, Choi SH. Kinematic monitoring of the thorax during the respiratory cycle using a biopolymer-based strain sensor: a chitosan-glycerol-graphite composite. Biosensors (Basel). 2025;15(8):523.
  26. Volova TG, Vinnik YS, Shishatskaya EI, Markelova NM, Zaikov GE, editors. Natural-based polymers for biomedical applications. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2017.
  27. Beyrami H, Golshan M, Zardehi-Tabriz A, Salami-Kalajahi M. Smart coatings: fundamentals, preparation approaches, and applications. Adv Mater Technol. 2025;10(19):e00574.
  28. Olodu DD, Ihenyen OI, Erameh A. Advancements and emerging trends in mechanical engineering design and manufacturing processes: a comprehensive review. Bilge Int J Sci Technol Res. 2026;10(1):161-98.
Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
04
Received 06/08/2026
Accepted 21/08/2026
Published 26/08/2026
Publication Time 20 Days

Login

My IP

PlumX Metrics